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Vesta Nichols Obituary
SPRINGFIELD - Vesta Meek Nichols, 89, of Springfield died peacefully at her home on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2007.
She was born April 21, 1918, in Springfield, the daughter of Josephine Snowden and Albert O.J. Meek. She married George Ray Nichols in 1944. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, seven brothers and two sisters.
Mrs. Nichols was a lifelong resident of Springfield and graduated from Springfield High School in 1935, where she excelled scholastically. She attended Southern Illinois University, the University of Illinois Extension, Illinois Wesleyan University and Lincoln Land Community College. She began her principal working career at the Springfield Urban League and was employed in several departments for the state of Illinois. She advanced through many positions and retired as systems analyst III from the Department of Central Management Services in 1985.
Throughout her life, Mrs. Nichols was a champion of civil rights, education and the arts. She was a life member of the NAACP and in 2005, was general chairman of the organization's annual Lincoln-Douglass Banquet. She was an advocate for youth who have been suspended or expelled from school and continued this work and tutoring well into her 80s. She established and was a Girl Scout Leader of Troop 217 at St. Paul AME Church, led the Christian Endeavor group for teens there and was an active member of the Lay Organization.
A classically trained vocalist, she played at The Muni in the 1950s and was a frequent soloist at local, state and national events. After her retirement, she performed in several productions, including the Springfield Theatre Centre, Eastside Theater, Opera Theatre of Springfield and Mature Mob of the Senior Citizens Center. She also joined the Illinois Symphony Chorus and Voices of Love, Joy and Peace. In 1996, she was named to the Senior Citizens Hall of Fame of Sangamon County for her service to the community.
Remembering her fondly are a daughter, Dr. Victoria Nichols (husband, Louis) Johnson; a brother, Harold S. (wife, Susan) Meek; grandchildren, Marguerita (Maggie), Victoria "Vykye" and George Johnson; a great-granddaughter, Ysanne Johnson; 16 nieces and nephews; several great-nieces and great-nephews; and a host of other relatives.
Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, 2007, at St. Paul AME Church, 1130 S. 16th St., with special music by Mrs. Paula Irby and a member of the Illinois Symphony Orchestra from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Services will be at noon Friday, Dec. 14, 2007, with visitation at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Toussaint Cheatom presiding. Interment will be in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
Present and former members of the Illinois Symphony Chorus and Voices of Love, Joy and Peace are asked to join the St. Paul Choir in the choir loft on Friday.
Memorials may be made to the National Necrotizing Fasciitis Foundation (www.nnff.org), c/o Donna Batdorff, 2731 Porter S.W., Grand Rapids, MI 49509; or the St. Paul AME Church Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 4321, Springfield, IL 62708-4321.
James D. Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Vesta Nichols
Sponsored by Dr.Victoria Nichols Johnson & Family.
Gregory Young
January 11, 2008
It is with with great fondness and respect that I recall Vesta. At 52 years of age, her words to me about education and focus continue to resonate today. I truly appreciate the time I had with her as, I'm sure we all do.
Robert Good
January 8, 2008
I have witness the strength of Vesta's determination to be present and involved in family matters. She was strong and made you feel the strength of racial dignity. We will miss her. I think her presents will be with us, and her record for years to come.
Beverly Travis
January 8, 2008
Victoria, such a beautiful testimony for such a beautiful, caring person. Cousin Vesta will be missed by all. We will continue to stay in touch. May your faith continue to sustain you, Louis and the children.
6/15/2002 Vesta & George Nichols & Family (George passed 6/19/2002)
January 7, 2008
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Marilyn silver
January 4, 2008
Dear Vicky and family,
I heard of your outstanding mother through my My aunt, Ethel Gingold.
Both my aunt and your mother were dynamic woman who had the courage to "stand" tall for their beliefs and work to make a difference in the world. Just as you Vicky her daughter have done. Blessings and love to you and your family.
Marilyn Silver
Pat and Fred Stericker
January 1, 2008
Vicki,
We extend our sympathy to you and your family. We are going to miss seeing your mother at the concerts. She was a remarkable woman with many interests and talents and a concern for helping others.
With warm regards,
Carl Madison
December 19, 2007
Vicki,
As you know Aunt Vesta has touched all of our lives as a family which has made us strong, I will truly miss her, God Bless.
Tony Pettit, Sr.
December 18, 2007
Vicky and Family
I can say that I know how you feel just loosing my mother November 29,2007. We loved them but God loved them more. Just continue to have faith in God knowing she is in a better place and he will take you through.
The joy of the Lord is our strenght. She did her works here and the gates of Heaven was open for her.
Our prayers are with you and the family.
Tony and Sharon Pettit Sr.(Springfield, IL.)
nell and don servis
December 17, 2007
i am so sorry for your loss. vesta
was a special lady. when don first started at cms as an operator
and then programmer, vesta knew his goal was to become an analyst and she did all she could to teach him and encourage him. we always loved your mother and father. her
life touched many and she will be sorely missed.
Patty Dennie
December 17, 2007
I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. She was very kind to me when I was brand new at S.I.U.
DENISE WINSTON AND FAMILY
December 16, 2007
TO DR. NICHOLS AND FAMILY, MAY GOD BLESS YOU.
Otha and Wanza Davis
December 16, 2007
Vicky and Family,
Our hearts go out to you and family at this difficult time. Remember the many happy memories that will surely bring joy and peace to your days ahead. Have faith that God will smile and welcome your precious one to his care. God Bless You and Yours.
Lizbeth & Michael Stewart
December 15, 2007
Vickie:
Michael and I heard of Vesta's passing from C.J. and were deeply saddened. I consider myself so very fortunate for having had the opportunity to meet her and get to know her a little over the last few years.
She gave much in life and she is surely going to receive the greatest God has to offer in heaven. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Michele (Henderson) Wilson
December 15, 2007
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Rudy Davenport
December 15, 2007
You will be missed.
Iola Seals
December 14, 2007
Although I've never met the family, my daughter , Avonne, has told me of the great legacy she has left for our race. May God continue to bless this family, at all times and in all ways.
Caroline K. Nelson
December 14, 2007
Dr. Nichols-Johnson
My sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. Although I never met her, I understand she was a great lady.
Butch and Dorothy and Family Ewing
December 14, 2007
On behalf of Mrs. Mary B. Ewing (who now resides in Beloit, Wisconsin) we would like to express our sincere sympathy during the loss of Mrs. Nichols. May God Bless you and keep you.
Gloria Hurst
December 13, 2007
Vickie,
I'm so sorry. You have my deepest sympathy. Mrs. Nichols will be missed. She was truly a sweetheart. Phineas & I send you our love.
Judy Mann-Shepard
December 13, 2007
Vickie, I'm sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Tonya Drake
December 13, 2007
I was a patient of yours and you are a great woman. Although I never met your mother, I am sure she was a fine woman such as yourself. May God Bless you and your family in your time of sorrow. May you find comfort in knowing she is in a better place and she will forever be in your hearts.
Janet Tolley
December 13, 2007
Vicki and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
your friend,
Janet Tolley
Helena Hughes-Osby
December 13, 2007
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
ARTHUR CAREY SR
December 13, 2007
SO SO SORRY
Dulany, Pat, and Kim Sriner
December 13, 2007
"Dr. Mom" Nichols-Johnson and family members of Vesta M. Nichols,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of bereavement.
Sincere sympathy, love and prayers,
Jerrie Blakely
December 13, 2007
My condolences to the Nichols, Meek and Johnson families on the loss of your loved one. Just know that the Springfield community shares your loss too. Vesta Nichols was known to most for her musical talent, but to many of us she was a civil rights advocate, a fighter for the disenfranchised, a nurse and caretaker for the elderly and infirm, an unsung heroine and my special friend. Perhaps she is with Mr Nichols looking down at us now and saying Everything is allright. My prayers are with you, knowing God will give you what you need for peace.
judy letz
December 13, 2007
Dr.Nichlos; I am so sorry about your lost. Even though I never met your mother I am sure she was a wonderful woman, I could tell by the wonderful daughter she raised. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, may your memories bring you comfort.
Selvarine Jones
December 13, 2007
Mrs. Vesta had a wonderful impact on the community and she inpired me in many ways. I will always remember how she encouraged me to lift up my talents in singing and dancing. And listening to her sing was always a joy. She never ceased to inspire others, especially youth in their education as well as the arts.
Annette Stark
December 13, 2007
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Karla Kirkham
December 13, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Avonne M. Seals
December 13, 2007
Dr. Nichols-Johnson, I express the deepest of sympathy for your loss of such a dear soul and one of Springfield's very finest. You are the heir of a great legacy having been left by your mother and father. Mrs. Nichols had a sweet, gentle spirit and she touched all who met her. The angels in heaven's choir are singing her praises as she now joins them.
john ricky newman
December 13, 2007
miss vesta,you will be sorely missed. may GOD bless your soul. this lady was like ali,she was surely a champion,one of heavyweight caliber. she was more than i can mention,but most of all she was my friend. if you don't have an older friend,i suggest you find one. the knowledge received from conversation about life is remarkable. i will miss my friend.
Everett Taylor
December 13, 2007
Sincere Condolences to the family, on Mrs. Nichols passing; she was a great lady, and I will surely miss her.
Art Brooks
December 12, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Kim Hepworth
December 12, 2007
What an amazing inspiration Vesta was to me as an aspiring young performer in Springfield. Thank you for sharing her!
La Verne Butler
December 12, 2007
To the entire Johnson, Nichols and Meek family, I extend my deepest sympathy in the loss of your loved one. Please be comforted knowing that she is now singing in GOD'S Heavenly choir. GOD bless you all during your time of sorrow. Please look to the hills from whence cometh your help.
The Butler and Rice Families
Rev. Shawn & Florine Brooks
December 12, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We will most certainly miss her, her beautiful voice, and smile.
Myrna & Karl Madison
December 12, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. She will surely be missed by many.
Lesa King-Bergeron
December 12, 2007
Dr. Nichols,
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother. During the early 80's, I worked on the same floor as she did. She was a special, wonderful woman. I have many fond memories of our chats together.
Darryl LeVells
December 12, 2007
I would like to extend my sincerest condolences on the loss of your loved one - my beloved Cousin Vesta. I hold so many warm and fond memories of visiting Springfield and always seeing Cousin Josephine, Cousin Vesta and Harold when able. Your lives have enriched mine.
Ron & Mary Carter
December 12, 2007
To The Family and Friends of VESTA M. NICHOLS, please accept our sincere condolences in the passing of your loved one. She will be greatly missed.
Jo Ann Draper Barger & Family
December 12, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Christopher & Catherine Scott
December 12, 2007
I can remember the pictures mom has of your Mother & frends,what a great love Mrs.Nichols gave to us all. Our love and prayers go out to you and your family.
Rev. Nate Randall
December 12, 2007
We will always remember the Singing Evanglist and her love for children.
You are in our prayers
Harold Hughes-Osby
December 12, 2007
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
WL Jackson
December 12, 2007
Deepest condolences from the Jackson-Osby-Scott Family to the Nichols-Meeks family. I know it has been a ROUGH time of late. May we all come to that time of GRACE and be with your loving Vesta. She is now with her hubby.
Jeanie White
December 12, 2007
I knew and worked with your mother probably 40 years ago. I worked for DOT, in what they called the new state bldg., behind the capital. She was a very nice lady and well liked. She lived a long and very rich life. My sympathy and prayers to you and all your family.
Carol Bressan
December 12, 2007
Dr. Nichols,
My sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. I have very fond memories of her from when we worked at the state together before I went to the medical school.
Maxine Ballard and Family
December 12, 2007
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kathryn Harris
December 12, 2007
A champion has left us. Ms. Nichols was a remarkable, talented, and blessed woman who touched many, many lives over the years...from young girls in scouting to disadvantaged and "left behind" students in our community. She made a difference. Her cherubic voice will be missed not only at St. Paul but also in the community choirs. A brave and committed Christian, long time supporter and hard working member of the NAACP, a voice for justice....she will be missed. God's peace and blessings to you, Dr. Nichols and your family.
Kathryn M. Harris
The Spoon Family
December 12, 2007
Vesta was a shining star in our community for years. I grew up knowing her through her music, her smile and her laughter. Thank you for sharing her with us. Our prayers are with your family. Dale, Katie, Jack, Quinn and Meredith Spoon
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